Property Ladder Group have compiled a list of top tips for homeowners to prepare their home, ready for optimal marketing when lock down ends.
The property market is currently on a hiatus, coiled and ready to spring into action. The cleanliness of a house is likely to be in the spotlight, with contactless viewings likely to dictate that all doors and cupboards be left open, to safeguard against touching door handles and surfaces. A squirt of hand sanitiser may be the first and only exchange of contact, between viewers and homeowners, who may be encouraged to sit outside in isolation in their car or rear garden, whilst viewers look around.
This is a great opportunity for homeowners to prepare in advance ready for optimal marketing when lock down ends.
First Impressions & Kerb Appeal
First impressions count, and the front shot on property search portals, like Rightmove, Zoopla and OnTheMarket are the ultimate in creating a first and lasting impression to prospective buyers. Tidy the front and back garden, remove items from a balcony, create the scene for entertaining. Consider purchasing or hiring a jet wash, to clean the front path and driveway, scrub the patio and decking to avoid slippery surfaces. Investing in seasonal flowers or shrubs will create a homely feel. Draft a list of the main attributes that you may wish to highlight to your estate agent, both within your property and local area.
Deep clean
There are many areas inside and out which will require a once over seasonal clean and other areas will require a deep clean. It would be prudent to clean the gutters, wipe and paint the barge boards, paint the garage door, remove any traces of mould in the bathroom areas, mastic around the shower, remove limescale around kitchen and bathroom taps. Regular cleaning jobs such as cleaning the cooker, declutter the kitchen worktops and cleaning the shower door and sanitary wear are essential practices, and should be disinfected before and after viewings.
Declutter
Most homes have a junk room or cluttered area, it would be wise to make use of the spare time during lockdown to declutter. Be ruthless on what you keep on show, adapt storage areas as much as possible and clear children’s toys away. Projects such as turning the spare junk room into a functional home office, dressing a day bed with neutral coverings and cushions, will create an aura of calm.
Paint. Every. Where
Most purchasers will want to stamp their own identity on a property when they move in. The main objective here is to present your décor for marketing in a neutral and presentable manner. It would be wise to invest in a large pot of gloss paint, masking tape and paint brushes. Our advice is to paint everywhere possible, prioritising the skirtings, the doors and frames, the banisters and the utility boxes. It’s quite a time-consuming task and families with pets and those with young children will need to ensure that little ones avoid freshly painted areas.
Create The Mood
Flood your home with light, introduce mood lighting to create a warm glow throughout. Replace broken light bulbs and buy plug ins, melts or scented candles. Fresh towels, bedding, cushions and soft furnishings will add the finishing touches.
Organise Documents
Take time to organise documents, Property Ladder Group have created a list of suggested documents, which may be requested throughout the selling process:
- Arrange an up to date gas boiler service – appliances should be tested annually
- Check if you will need to organise an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) expires after 10 years
- EICR or electrical test – may be requested for some purchases
- Arrange an annual Chimney sweep and ensure wood burners are serviced
- Take a copy of your local council tax bill – useful for prospective purchasers
- Obtain records for management companies who maintain leasehold areas
- FENSA certificates, planning permission for any major works, building regs for alterations
- Timber and damp guarantees and warranties
- HM land registry and title docs
- Ensure you have a copy of your latest mortgage lender statement
- Passport and driving licence, organise your last 3 months of bank statements and utility bills
- Download last the 6 months of your payslips and ensure accounts are up to date
Property Ladder Group sell properties in a timely and stress-free manner, for the best possible price. To find out more and to arrange a residential property valuation, give us a call today on 0330 124 7434.
